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Will ReedyWill Reedy

Will Reedy is a West Virginia writer and contributor to West Virginia Explorer Magazine whose work focuses on hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Through essays and feature writing, he explores the landscapes, communities, and traditions that define West Virginia, bringing a thoughtful perspective to stories about heritage, travel, and everyday Appalachian life.
WVU scientists and citizen assistants are examining blotchy bass taken across West Virginia.
Communities

WVU and citizen scientists fish for answers on blotchy bass

by Will Reedy

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.—Using data collected by citizens through a mobile app, researchers at West Virginia University are working to understand why some bass are becoming “blotchy.” Brent Murry, assistant professor of aquatic ecology in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design, and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Eastern Ecological Science Center, hope to uncover information … Read more

Hunters walk in the highlands in search of their quarry.
Hunting

Applications available for antlerless deer hunts in 2022

by Will Reedy

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is now accepting applications to hunt in limited permit areas during the 2022 antlerless deer season. According to Chris Ryan, game management supervisor for the division, applications for the lottery are available online at WVHunt.com and will be accepted until midnight on Aug. 12. “These limited permit areas … Read more

A white-tailed buck deer waits in a West Virginia woodland.
Hunting

West Virginia hunters harvested 105,278 deer in 2021

by Will Reedy

Hunters harvested 105,278 white-tailed deer in 2021 during the recent buck firearms, antlerless, muzzleloader, archery, crossbow, youth/Class Q/Class XS, and Mountaineer Heritage deer seasons. The total harvest was 1.5 percent below the 2020 deer harvest of 106,861 and was less than one percent below the five-year average of 105,718, according to Paul Johansen, chief of … Read more

West Virginia residents are eligible through December to register for the annual Hunting & Fishing License Giveaway.
Hunting

Division of Natural Resources conducts study on hunting

by Will Reedy

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is conducting a survey of state residents and their hunting participation and success rates for various species to help manage wildlife populations and hunting opportunities in the state. The study will include licensed hunters, license-exempt hunters, and state residents among the general population, according to Paul Johansen, chief of the division’s wildlife … Read more

A rite of winter in West Virginia, trout stockings have resumed in select lakes and streams. (Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. of Commerce)
Fishing

Trout stocking 2022 underway on West Virginia streams

by Will Reedy

Trout stocking has commenced for the spring 2022 season in West Virginia, and 60 sections of stream have so far been stocked, according to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Stockings will increase in February and continue through spring. Updates on stocking are posted online at wvdnr.gov/fish-stocking. While fishing for trout in West Virginia, all … Read more

Black bear are now found in all 55 West Virginia counties.
Hunting

W.Va. hunters harvested 2,756 black bears in 2021

by Will Reedy

West Virginia hunters harvested 2,756 black bears during the combined 2021 archery and firearms seasons, a 22 percent decrease compared to the 2020 harvest of 3,541 bears. The decreased black bear harvest can be attributed to abundant mast production, which was 61 percent above 2020 numbers and eight percent above the long-term average, according to … Read more

An angler casts into a river in the Monongahela National Forest.
Fishing

2022 W.Va. fishing regulations now available online

by Will Reedy

The 2022 West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary is now available online through the state Division of Natural Resources. Printed copies will also be available at license agents and division district offices in early January. Anglers are encouraged to review the new regulations to familiarize themselves with changes and should contact division offices for clarification if … Read more

Hunting is permitted in parts of the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. (Photo courtesy Julian Hanslmaier)
Hunting

New River Gorge National Park implements new hunting regulations

by Will Reedy

Beginning January 1, 2022, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will implement changes authorized by the recent legislation that expanded the park and will affect hunting therein, according to park officials. Additionally, the park has redesignated the use of an access road in the Gauley River National Recreation Area. The changes will be reflected … Read more

A hunter and his hound venture out on a misty morning hunt.
Hunting

W.Va. reminds hunters and trappers of 2021 furbearer regulations

by Will Reedy

Furbearer hunting seasons are underway in West Virginia, with raccoon hunting continuing through Feb. 28, 2022, and the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources again is offering a $20 gift card for usable otter carcasses. Spotty but locally abundant mast and last year’s mild winter weather should have resulted in good reproduction and survival—leading to increased … Read more